Updated 22/11/05
 
Houseboat Launched:

It is now the time for the rising of backwater tourism in the Indian state of Kerala, a region well known for its charismatic nature. The lack of adequate initiatives on the part of government and private sector had left the enchanting beauty of Kerala’s backwaters unnoticed so far.

The wind of change has started blowing in the northern part of Kerala, generally known as Malabar. A houseboat cruise launched in Kanayankode River at Koyilandy in Kozhikode district of Kerala is now luring domestic and international tourists. The cruise was started in July 2005.

Kerala Discovery-Tour Operators offers a 35-km-long sail in the luxury houseboat through the Kanayankode River for Rs 8,000 for six persons. The houseboat offers 24-hour travel for the amount with food.

The houseboat voyage in Kanayankode River gives sights of the charming landscape of tiny islands in the river, flocking migratory birds, the calm and serene countryside of Kerala and the beautiful riverbanks thatched by coconut trees.

The houseboat operators also offer travel for 10 persons between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for Rs 6,000. The beautifully built luxury houseboat is equipped with two bath-attached bedrooms, a kitchen, a nicely located dining hall, an upper deck for sightseeing and a sun deck on the platform of the boat.

The Kerala Discovery team also provides a conference boat in the same river. The conference boat is meant for organising small meetings and conferences. The boat provides 36 seats and it costs Rs 700 per hour.

The large houseboat was built on the bank of Kanayankode River at a cost of Rs 23 lakh. It took more than five months for around 20 workers to complete the work of the houseboat.

A number of tourists from countries like US, UK, Spain, Holland, Australia and Sri Lanka have already experienced the houseboat cruise. The houseboat operators are available at 0496 – 2624231 .